Sunday, August 12, 2018

How To Build Habits & Stick To Them.

This is probably a post I should publish around the new year but I think you can start building good habits all year around. It doesn't have to be in January and it doesn't have to be on a Monday. It's all about the 'how' and this is what I want to discuss today. I bet you all have heard of the theory that it takes 21 days to implement a new habit. Well, I think that is quite frankly.. bullshit. There is no magic number and there is no 'one technique fits all' kind of approach. Everyone is different and so are the habits we want to implement. Just as an example here are a few habits I have been trying to build this year:

- drinking 2 litres of water each day- meditating daily- sleeping an average of eight hours a day - no chocolate or sweets on at least 5 days a week - exercising at least 4 times a week (long walks count)

Tell people

This is a controversial one. But for me, it works. I love to tell everyone who wants to hear it about my goals. Some people might feel too pressured when they do so, but I feel so much more motivated. Like I told my boyfriend I would drink two litres of water so if he checks in on me I don't want to 'loose'. So if you think this will motivate you, tell it everyone.. your family, your friends or simply tweet about it.

Track it

Tracking your habits is vital in the beginning. I downloaded the app 'Strides' in the beginning of the year and still use it. It reminds me every day to check in and tick off my habits for the day, of course only if I really stuck to them. And this is so important. Don't lie to yourself.. don't tick the box if you didn't do it. It won't help you.. and honestly, the app is only for you. So if you totally failed at something, no one will see it but you. So stay honest.

Have a reason

Without reason or purpose, your new habit will most probably fail. You have to think about why exactly you want to build this particular habit. Is it good for your physical or mental health? Is it beneficial to other people? Is it good for your bank account? Try to think about the why and write it down.. at least mentally.

Be patient

Building new habits takes patience. You will fail at least once. And this is perfectly normal. It's all about starting new the next day. So if you had a completely lazy and unproductive day, only drinking coke and the most exercise you got was walking from the bed to the kitchen and then to the bathroom, it is fine. Tomorrow is a new day which brings a new opportunity. Just remind yourself of the 'why' and don't beat yourself up.

93 comments

Tracking and planning is one of the best methods for getting an habit build upon. And obviously a motive!I have a sweet tooth and I used to eat more candy than what I should when studying. Because I wanted to start eating healthy, I started to opt for other things like almonds and oatmeal. At first it was strange but nowadays it is one of the best changes I could do.

I also like meditation, specially before going to bed because it helps me to relax and have a perspective of what I want to accomplish in the next day.

Great motivational post, I agree with so many of your points!Another tip is to break down bigger goals into smaller ones, that will help you keep accountable and reaching a goal is the besteht feeling ever and will keep you motivated! :)Xx JanineHttps://walkinmysneaks.blogspot.com/?m=1

I love your list of habits to stick to and the tips you share to stick to them! Having a reason and being patient with yourself are definitely good ones to bare in mind. They can really help to motivate you, but keep you being kind and reassuring to yourself x

This is a really useful post! Having a reason for taking up a habit is so important. Keeping track of it too - I do that with working out, I create myself a calendar each month and I record how many days a month I work out. I've been doing that every month since November of last year and it has really helped. I wish you good luck with all the goals you mentioned!

Having a reason is the most important for me as it is the driving factor why I have to adopt this habit. Like last week we bought a cross trainer and put it in the lounge, I have to think everyday why we bought it else it will just be sitting there again and collect dust. Thanks for the inspiration always dear!

I'm trying to get back into the habit of exercising regularly. Where there is a will there is a way, as they say. Great tips for sticking to our goals!Once something becomes a habit, it's easier to do it...and since we all develop habits, one way or another, it's better to develop healthy ones.

Tracking it is honestly the biggest thing! I've been drinking 3 litres of water everyday for the past few weeks (I'm in the bathroom every 5 seconds) and tracking it on my phone had been making a huge difference!!

Love this! You definitely don't need to wait until a new year for some new healthy habits! I've noticed that focusing on adding one healthy habit to my routine at a time has worked great for me. Definitely takes patience!http://expeditiontoeuphoria.com

This is a great list. I'm trying to be a better, more organized student. I also need to work on my time management. I'm looking forward to putting these tips to use when uni lets in. Thank you for sharing, Lisa.

These are all really great tips! You're so right that the 21 days to form a habit isn't really true because it's different for everyone. Being patient is so important because it's so easy to be hard on ourselves. And thank you for the app recommendation! I've just downloaded it and I'm excited to give it a try x

You make such a brilliant point about having a purpose; plans are destined for failure unless we can a true motive driving us forwards! I'm trying to eat more healthily right now and so I'll keep your advice in mind babe :)

Tracking your actions is indeed an unexpectedly powerful practice. I have noticed that if I write down my actions, I have a greater incentive to do them. Also, tracking your workout results is even better. Often times we just don't notice them on a daily basis, but measurements or pictures of you at different points could really be helpful and motivating.

I know with me, if I don't write it down, it won't get done! Even simple things like cleaning my room, washing my hair I seem to be more productive with when I write it down on a to-do list. There's nothing better than scratching things off a to-do list!

Love this post! You are so right, it doesn't need to be January or a Monday to start your goals. You have great goals too! Yes we will all fail at least once and the important thing is to get back on the next day and not beat yourself up over it!

This is such a motivational post!! I always find myself trying to start new habits, like drinking more water etc, but giving up after a few days. I'm gonna have to try your methods!Thank you for sharing xx

This is spot on and so true! I have noticed my odds are so much more in my favor if I tell my friends about my goals! The good friends hold you accountable and I want to hold to them! www.thatssoshannon.com

Such a cool post Lisa, I’m glad I stumbled across it, your blog is fab by the way!! I love to tell people about my goals as well, I think saying something out loud really does wonders. I’m your newest subscriber, have a wonderful evening. :-) xx

Omg this is great! I want blogging to be my new favourite habit. This post really inspired me to keep up with my work. Especially your blog. Love what you're doing.

I'm an old blogger - who's staring blogging again. My space is an inspirational place and I'm just trying to shed light on mental health and issues within society. I'd love if you could give my foreward a read! A new post will be going up on friday.